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vista Spring & Summer 2014

A magazine for alumni, parents, and friends of Villanova Preparatory School

Meet Villanova’s New President In Search of Excellence Alumni Convene in Philadelphia Spring & Summer 2014

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VISTA VISTA is published twice a year for alumni, parents, students, and friends of Villanova Preparatory School.

Administration President Rev. John Keller, O.S.A.* Headmaster Carol Hoffer Director of Financial Affairs Nancy Ventura Director of Admission Tyler Hart Director of Development Jeanne Hill Director of Resident Life Ricardo Olivares

Board of Directors Dr. Robert Arce Dr. Karin Best ’76 Heidi Bradbury David Brubaker Br. Michael Bube, O.S.A. Carol Hoffer

Rev. John Keller, O.S.A. Very Rev. Gary Sanders, O.S.A. Laurence Shields Rev. Thomas Verber, O.S.A. Sr. Rachel Yourgules, I.H.M.

Mission In the Augustinian tradition, the Mission of Villanova Preparatory School is to graduate mature young adults of diverse backgrounds who reflect the qualities of truth, unity, and love. The school does this by providing a challenging college preparatory curriculum and Catholic environment that promote the development of mind, heart, and body. These young adults will think, judge, and act in ways that are sound and in keeping with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

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Villanova Preparatory School is accredited by the Western Catholic Education Association and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. *As of July 1, Villanova’s President is Mr. Charles Roy.

Published July 1, 2014.

Published by the Development Office Villanova Preparatory School 12096 North Ventura Avenue, Ojai, CA 93023 (805) 646-1464 development@villanovaprep.org www.villanovaprep.org 2

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Features In Search of Excellence.................................................. 33 Service to Others as a Pathway to Excellence.............. 44 Tribes Instill Quest for Excellence................................ 14 Meet Villanova’s New President..................................... 6 A Tale of Two Martin Sisters........................................ 40 History of Wildcat Day.................................................... 8 The Villanova Prep Story, 1914-2014........................... 25 Sixty-three Graduate in 2014........................................ 42 Alumnus Speaks at Graduation.................................... 50

Departments

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From the President.......................................................... 4 Headmaster’s Message.................................................... 5 Augustinian Signatures................................................. 13 Auction is a Polynesian Paradise.................................. 16 Golf Tournament Benefits Athletics & Scholarships... 48 Legacy Society Profiles.................................................. 53

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Family of Giving Mid Year Report................................ 54 Admissions Timetable................................................... 47 2014-2015 Calendar....................................................... 39

Alumni Alumni Share Life’s Lessons at Career Day................. 20 Looks Who Has Recently Been In Touch...................... 18 April 5 in Philadelphia a Fun Time.............................. 23 In Memoriam.................................................................. 52 Wildcat Weekend Details.............................................. 32

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from the President AS WE BEGIN OUR 90TH YEAR…

Digging Deeper

Viewing from a Distance Sean O’Hollaren '79 was the speaker at our 87th commencement in the Grotto on May 24. Sean reflected on the personal direction and purpose that his Villanova

Jack Gavin is a distinguished Villanova Prep graduate

years have given to his contributions at high levels of

of 1948 who always digs deeper. Successful as a film actor,

public and corporate life. All of us found Sean’s address

president of the Screen Actors Guild, and former U.S.

an outstanding presentation – one that felt right, struck

Ambassador to Mexico, he is a “loyal son of Villanova” and

home, rang true. His example of faith, family, and

a person I am very willing to listen to.

friendship; his devotion to the common good – both public and private – all in a global context; are aspects of the

He and I have recently been in fruitful conversation

Villanova experience which we cherish and are proud to

about the values and goals of Villanova Prep as we

recognize in Sean. He gave the class of 2014 a long view of

celebrate the 90th anniversary of the school’s founding.

what difference the Villanova experience can make. You’ll

Jack suggests that excellence is the goal of what Villanova

find excerpts from his talk on page 50.

is about. He feels excellence is the unifying vision and hallmark of Villanova’s success, excellence is its measure,

Moving into the Future

and sees our core values of unity, truth, and love as

Charlie August Roy is Villanova’s new president. After

pathways to this excellence. Jack’s insight offers another

a national search we’re happy to have Charlie among us.

take on a comprehensive and cohesive understanding of

He brings much experience and many gifts. His proven

the Villanova experience.

commitment to Catholic education and the resonance he experienced with Augustinian educational values in his

With that conversation in mind, we sent Anne Hanson,

recent participation in the Augustinian Values Institute

a former editor at The Tidings on a mission – to gain

are pledge and promise of good directions and enthusiastic

greater clarity of our core values seen through the lens of

leadership for our school. Pictures and interview are on

excellence. Headmaster Carol Hoffer joins in the discussion

page 6. Welcome and Blessings!

with her reflections on “the habit of excellence.”

My best wishes in Christ, (Rev.) John D. Keller, OSA

On a personal note: With great confidence in Villanova’s faculty, staff, and leadership, my thanks for sharing the past three semesters and the opportunity to be once again a part of Villanova’s mission. As Augustinian Director of Education I look forward to being on campus with some frequency in the coming year.

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Headmaster’s Message

From the Headmaster One of the hardest lessons we teach at Villanova is

The Difference Between Excellence and Achievement I was thinking about this recently, during the days leading

his second language,

up to finals week, when a very stressed freshman arrived

and entirely unaware

at school, fighting back tears. She’d worked harder than she ever thought she could, and yet now faced the reality that all her effort might still land her short of straight A’s.

What can you do with disappointment like that? What we talked about, and what I hope one day she will fully understand, is that she’s gained something more valuable than perfect scores. Regardless of her semester grades, she’s approached the excellence that comes out of effort and determination, a habit that will last much longer, and mean much more, than the grade on a transcript.

Excellence comes out of effort and determination, a habit that will last much longer, and mean much more, than the grade on a transcript.

Striving for that personal best, doing whatever that takes, is difficult, of course. But the rewards are important and long lasting.

of the workings of an

American

high

school. I met with him on his last day on campus and quizzed him on his year with us. He admitted that the

American

lit

class was tough and that

the

academic

challenges in general were demanding. But what seemed to stand out to him was the “amazing” experience

he’d had playing soccer and swimming for Villanova, both activities he’d never even tried before. This young man’s courage, to attempt the completely unfamiliar, to engage in something so daunting whether swimming or soccer or even traveling to an American high school – is at the heart

These are the seeds we plant here, the habit of

of the excellence we strive for here, the determination to

excellence. They may not bloom every grading period, but

do something difficult, to do it often, and to trust that

we believe they will flower over time. Striving for that

those efforts will have value later, maybe even much later.

personal best, doing whatever that takes, is difficult, of

This is the habit that will be hard to break – the habit of

course. But the rewards are important and long lasting.

excellence.

We see the students transform and strengthen as they learn to develop this habit.

And they do develop it, sometimes to their surprise.

For the past two years Villanova has been fortunate to have a student from the YES program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. This year’s student was a junior who came to us from Pakistan. He arrived never

Carol Hoffer

having been out of his home country before, English as

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Introducing Mr. Charlie Roy

Meet Villanova’s New President Scholar, Educator, Family Man, Sports Enthusiast, Catholic A man of diverse interests and talents, Charlie Roy,

world and joined the faculty

is the sixth president of Villanova since the school moved

of Notre Dame High School

to the leadership model of employing both president and

in Peoria, Illinois, a decision

headmaster in 1988. Roy also claims the distinction of

he acknowledges as the “best

being the first lay person to hold the position, a national

move I ever made.”

approach initiated in recent years by religious orders

Roy began as a theology

operating institutions of learning. He comes to the Ojai

teacher and baseball coach

Valley from Peoria, Illinois, with a range of experience

and in time served as dean of

and strong commitment to Catholic education.

students. He moved into the position of elementary school principal at St. Mark Catholic School in Peoria for two years before returning to Notre Dame as principal, where he led the school for seven years.

During his tenure as principal he was a frequent presenter at the National Catholic Education Association Conference on topics of school leadership and technology.

He served as a member and lead evaluator for various school recognition teams with AdvancED, a school accrediting process. Roy was also an adjunct professor at Aurora University, teaching classes in school administration and instructional technology.

The next logical step for Roy was to serve as a school president. Villanova’s need and Roy’s career plans are a great fit!

The Scholar Roy holds an undergraduate degree, conferred with honors, in Religious Studies from Wabash College, Crawfordville, Indiana, and a graduate degree in Educational Leadership from Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois, where he was given the Department of Educational Leadership Alumni Award for Innovative Professional

The Family Man Roy and his wife, Aimee, a speech therapist, have been married for 15 years and are the proud parents of 11-yearold twin boys, Jacob and Gabriel, and a three-year-old daughter, Maryn. The children are excited about the move

Practices in 2010.

across the country to sunny California, where the boys will

The Educator

They have plans to take up surfing while their sister looks

attend Our Lady of the Assumption School in Ventura.

Following in the footsteps of his father, uncle, and

forward to playing on the beach and in the ocean.

other family members, Roy spent his summers and school

Roy’s parenting philosophy is much like his teaching

breaks during high school and college working on the

philosophy, which is to model worthwhile values and let

floor of the Chicago Board of Trade and continued with

the child or student grow into who they are meant to

them for a time after graduation as a commodities trader.

be with consistent, gentle guidance. He lovingly shares

While he enjoyed the work and admits it was financially

that his first day as a principal was also the first day of

lucrative, he had a sense he was not utilizing his greatest

kindergarten for his twin boys – a day of setting off on new

talents. After much discernment he left the business

adventures for both father and sons!

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The Sports Enthusiast Roy played football and baseball during his high school and college years.

A Few of Charlie Roy’s Favorite Things

One of the transformative incidents in his life was playing on the high school

Authors of Fiction: John Steinbeck,

football team. The coach made an impression on him as a great role model: one

followed by Willa Cather, Victor

of the happiest and holiest people he has known because he was living fully

Hugo, and Andre DuBus II

who he was called to be –a quality Roy took to heart when he changed career paths.

When time allows he enjoys playing a wide range of sports including golf,

Authors of Non-fiction: Michael Lewis, Malcolm Gladwell, and James

tennis, fishing, hiking, and swimming. He appreciates the weather in Ojai and

Michener

the surrounding area and knows it will give him and his family access to these

Food: Steak and anything grilled

activities all year round. Roy is a University of Notre Dame sports fan, but since the Chicago Cubs keep breaking his heart, a “love affair that never came to fruition” in his words, he is considering becoming an LA Dodger fan!

Movie: The Perfect Game Favorite Classes Taken: Social Psychology, Social Teachings of the

Catholic Changing majors in college offered Roy the opportunity to take a serious look at life. He moved from biochemistry to religious studies and began exploring

Catholic Church, and Cultures and Traditions

why he believed in the Catholic faith. He says, “Answering questions (about my

Favorite Sport: Any and all sports

faith) deepened my faith and cultivated my interest in teaching the faith to

(spoiler alert: Roy will

others.” His elementary and high school years were spent in Catholic schools.

be playing in next year’s Golf

College was the first time he became friends with people of other faiths, and

Tournament)

he enjoyed learning as well as discussing the similarities and differences of various faith traditions.

He has served as a theology instructor and as a member of his parish RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) team as well as Teens Encounter Christ retreat team member. In line with his new position, he claims St. Augustine as a favorite saint along with Saints Francis and John.

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When Can I Meet the new President?

• Wildcat Alumni Weekend BBQ July 26 • Welcome for New International Students and their Parents July 31 • Freshman Parent Orientation August 9 • Back to School Night September 24t • Grandparents Day October 9

With alumni parent and Board of Directors committee member Mary Baker at a welcome reception on May 28 Spring & Summer 2014

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History of Wildcat Day Ask anyone who graduated from Villanova Prep after 1980 for a favorite memory, and many will say Wildcat Day. They will always be able to tell you what tribe they were part of and how much fun they had!

Attorney Candace Brown ’00

time frame and was on campus

says her best Wildcat Day was

about once per month.

senior year. “I was a Cossack, and the day we won the spirit award

According to Fr. Gary, the

is one of my favorite memories.

first school-wide celebration that

Jackson Strobel and I worked

included fun and games was

really hard to make it a great day,

Bicentennial Days held November

and it was!”

24-26, 1976 (see graphics on page 11), celebrating the 200th

Wildcat Day began sometime

birthday of the United States. In

around 1980 but grew out of a

1978 the campus was organized

tradition of a series of themed

by Father John Sanders O.S.A.,

events that began closer to 1976,

for California Days held on

said Father Gary Sanders, O.S.A.,

November 21-23. The 1979

who is currently Prior Provincial

yearbook highlights a school-wide

but served as Director of Vocations

scavenger hunt and egg toss, likely

for the Augustinians during this

precursors to today’s Wildcat Day.

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Fr. Gary says that Wildcat Day started as a tribute

“A sense of renewed school

to the Olympics. “1976 was an Olympic year as well as

spirit that encompassed

the bicententennial,” he says.

teachers and students alike.”

Fr. John, Br. Steve McKenna O.S.A., and

“Wildcat Day was in

Headmaster Pat Cestaro have all been mentioned as

place and an established

playing a part in its inception. Fr. John and Br. Steve

tradition when I started

have passed away. Cestaro is retired.

here in the fall of 1984,” says

Michael Kazmer, '79 also remembers there being

senior English teacher Tim

a Wildcat Day on campus in 1978 and 1979. “It was a

Bunce. “The tribes and names, I am fairly sure, came

series of silly sporting events, followed by a BBQ on the

from Br. Steve, but I know of no formal record of this”, he

lawn.” Kazmer says getting to eat on the lawn was a

says. Bunce remembers the original process of Wildcat

big deal in those days because students were not even

day included an oral presentation on the histories of

allowed to walk on it. The tribe component was not a

the tribes before the first round of field games. He says

part of the event during Kazmer’s time, although, he

candidly that the presentations were considered boring.

says, “it was really good event for school spirit.”

The students wanted to jump right in to the games.

“The evolution of the games went from water balloon

Mike Bolyog who taught at VPS from 1981-1987,

toss and other relay race-type events to more field-type

says, “The first Wildcat day I can remember is around

competitions. With the addition of the new pool in the

1982 or 1983.” Bolyog thinks that then assistant

90’s, we were able to expand aquatic events.” Other field

Headmaster Pat Cestaro may have played a part in its

events, such as capture the flag and monster ball (two

inception. “The idea was to come up with a way to bring

teams trying to push an inflated weather balloon back

the many cultures we had together –for the kids to get to

and forth) never seemed to succeed, and were dropped,

know each other in a non-academic setting and to create

he says.

a sense of family.”

These days, upon entry to Villanova, students Bolyog remembers that Wildcat Day rapidly became

are randomly assigned to a tribe and stay in that

an anticipated and an expanded event. “Each year that

tribe throughout their years at the school. The tribes

followed students looked more and more forward to the

are Apaches, Comanches, Cossacks, Huns, Samurai,

event, so much so that some teams developed their own

Saracens, Vikings, Visigoths, Watusis, and Zulus.

tribal theme.” After each Wildcat Day, Bolyog witnessed,

Preparation for Wildcat Day begins several weeks before

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the event with the tribes designing their shirts and

student life assistant. “The event is a great way to get the

organizing under their senior class members’ and faculty

classes to mix, to encourage seniors to take leadership

direction. The afternoon before the day, the campus

roles and foster spirit among the students,” she says.

is decorated with team colors, crepe paper garlands,

Although Wildcat Day activities are primarily physical,

and rally signs. Wildcat Day begins about 8:30 a.m.

Burgett points out that the event gives students with

on the football field with parents and staff watching a

different interests and talents ample time to shine.

choreographed presentation of each tribes chant. It is a boisterous display with each team trying to best each other.

“The more athletic or energetic kids take the lead in the actual events. Artistic students design shirts, banners, and other costumes or decorations. Natural

Elise Burgett has a much newer perspective on

leaders help faculty moderators run meetings and

Wildcat Day, having joined the staff in 2012. “My first

organize tasks leading up to the actual day. It seems like

Wildcat Day was while serving as the campus ministry/

there’s a niche for everyone,” she says.

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One component of the day that has impressed Burgett is seeing how tribes cheer on other tribes, even while they maintain a healthy but intense spirit of competition. “They might not realize it when they’re in the heat of the moment, but as they coordinate a cheer for the opponents they just beat or call out encouragement to other tribes they pass between events, the students are stepping outside of themselves and creating an environment of inclusivity and communal pride.

It’s a fun day for sure, but I think the students are still learning crucial lessons they will use for the rest of their lives.”

In recent years, the Tribe experience has been the basis for two newer Wildcat traditions, Tribe Service Day and Nova Bowl. These special traditions, new and old, exemplify the energy, imagination, spirit, and talents of students and faculty.

These traditions, like everything at Villanova, are meant to build community and strengthen the Augustinian core values of truth, love, and unity.

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Fathers Keller and gavotto Celebrate 50 Years of Priesthood

Father Bill Ryan Returns after 35 Years for a Teachable Moment

On June 12th the Augustinians

On March 14, VPS President Fr.

On graduation day, Fr. Bill Ryan

of the West on their annual retreat

John Keller and former Headmaster

was on hand to grade a former public

at Villanova invited the parish of St

Fr.

50th

speaking student. Sean O’Hollaren

Thomas Aquinas for lunch and a visit.

anniversary of their ordination to

‘79, who has achieved tremendous

Priesthood. To recognize that event, Fr.

success in the international business

Keller was the celebrant at Mass at St.

community and in Washington DC

Thomas Aquinas Church on March 9.

politics, delivered the commencement

In attendance were: Fr. Harry Neely, Fr. Tom Behan, Fr. John

Gavotto

celebrated

the

Keller, Fr. Jerry Bevilacqua, Fr. Bob

speech 35 years after his graduation

Gavotto, Fr. Bill Ryan, Fr. Gary Rye,

On March 20 Fr. Keller celebrated

Fr. Mike McFadden, Fr. Ray Elam,

Mass in the Clark Gymnasium. Both

Fr. Jim Clifford, Fr. Gary Sanders,

Fr. Keller and Fr. Gavotto were honored

Fr. Jim Retzner, Fr. Paul Quante, Br.

at Saints High School as well.

from Villanova.

Fr. Ryan, is now pastor of All Souls Catholic Church in Myrtle Creek,

Mike Bube Fr. Tom Verber, Fr. Greg

Oregon. After the speech, Fr. Ryan

Heidenblut, Fr. Alvin Paligutan, Fr.

said, “He did an excellent job.” Father

Tom Davis, Fr. Fernando Lopez, and Fr. Ronnie Custorio.

The Augustininas came to the Ojai Valley in 1923 to serve at St. Thomas Aquinas parish and opened Villanova

quoted a line from Sean’s speech,

Signature: Any unique, distinguishing aspect, or feature.

The rule of St. Augustine says, “Before all else, dear brothers, love God and then your neighbor.” And so it can be said that these news items (signatures) are distinguishing aspects of the Augustinian order as it builds community by loving God and then neighbor at Villanova.

“Your commodity is your words and your words get their value from your integrity.” Fr. Ryan summed it up, “what a great line, spoken by someone who knows full well its value!”

Prep in 1924. “Since that time the Augustinians, the people of St. Thomas parish, and Villanova Prep have been a

Br. Mike Bube Retires

porous community, sharing friendship

After nearly a decade of service to Villanova

and service,” said Fr. John Keller,

Preparatory School, Br. Mike Bube is set to retire.

O.S.A., VPS President.

Br. Mike has served as Resident Advisor to the International Students and most recently as the

“As Villanova Prep celebrates its

Director of Mission Effectiveness.

90th year of service in the Valley, the Augustinians invite the people of St.

Once retired, he will remain on campus living

Thomas for a visit, lunch, and a tour of

in the Augustinian apartment and will be on hand

the campus!”

for special events and other celebrations.

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Augustinian Signatures

Augustinians on Retreat reunite with St. Thomas Parishioners

Pathway to Excellence

Tribes Instill Quest for Excellence The Villanova commitment to personal best or

THE NOVA BOWL

“excellence” includes a minimum of 70 hours of community

Unlike Wildcat Day, a field game competition in which

service, which students complete on an individual basis

students attempt to best each other in water polo, soccer

and also as a team with their “tribe,” several times per

and other athletic contests, the Nova Bowl gives aspiring

year. Each faculty tribe moderator organizes a service day

engineers, architects, poets, and philosophers a chance

for his or her team, and the entire school convenes once per

to shine. It’s often been said the field day (Wildcat Day)

year for Tribe Service Day. The Tribe Service Day is the

promotes unitas or community. Nova Bowl organizers say

one time per year that all students leave their classrooms

the new event promotes veritas (truth) as students search

to do service work.

for solutions to a variety of academic challenges.

“This activity is organized to promote service to

The first annual Villanova Wildcat Nova Bowl, held in

community in support of unitas, one of the core values

March, included a Jeopardy type game, a scavenger hunt,

of the school, and to foster leadership among the student

a math and science CSI-type event, an improvisation

body,” said Brian Grisin, Villanova’s ASB moderator.

competition, and a “Battle of the Books.” The day concluded with the Nova Cardboard Boat Regatta, with each team

March 21 was Villanova’s second annual Tribe

creating a two-person cardboard-and-duct tape “boat.” For

Service Day, and the students spent the day serving the

the competition, two tribe members had to row their boat

community at organizations in the Ojai Valley, Ventura,

across the pool. The winners were the Comanches with

and Carpinteria.

Serena Matzat and Sarah Sharpe rowing. Next year’s Nova Bowl is set for February 27.

Villanova dean of students Dr. Matt Mallon explained that the Saracens gardened at the Ojai Raptor Center while the Comanches did similar work at the Valley of the Moon Garden in Ojai.

All Villanova students are “assigned” to tribes upon entering Villanova. They gather as a group to compete in a game day once per year and meet at other times for service projects. For the first time this year another tribe event was established – the Nova Bowl.

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‘The Nova Bowl brings the tribes together to challenge themselves academically and to have fun’.

Headmaster Carol Hoffer Spring & Summer 2014

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Auction is a Polynesian Paradise This year’s annual auction, “Polynesian Paradise” was a great success. The Clark Gym was transformed into a tropical oasis. Table decorations, plants, and tiki statues completed the look. Our on-site caterer did a beautiful job with the pu pu appetizers and tropical menu. One of the highlights of the evening was the performance of the local Polynesian dance Group, “Tina’s Ports of Paradise.” Not only did its members perform, but they also urged others to join in, including Fr, Gary. Adding to the festivities was the announcement that Sr. Rachel was now the permanent owner of “Augie,” one of the school’s adopted puppies. This was due to the generous contributions of many students, parents, and faculty. The success of this year’s auction was largely due to generous donations, such as artwork, local dining and getaway packages, family outings, and performances. Bidding for the parking spots and graduation seats were exciting, as well as a chance to dine with celebrity Christopher Lloyd. The auction netted over $52,000, and the proceeds were tagged to help with the renovations of the Learning Resource Center on campus. Join us next year for ”Una Noche de Fiesta,” March 28 at the Camarillo Ranch House.

Dr. Jose Abara Elena Abrena Alive Styles Dr. and Mrs. Edward Amorosi Bob and Suzanne Arce Arthur Murray Dance Studio At Truck & Equipment Mary Baker Matt Bailey, DVM The Bender Family Benhoft Center for Advanced Medicine Patty Berryman Bicycles of Ojai Bliss Frozen Yogurt Boccali’s Pizza & Pasta Anne Borchard The Bradbury Family The Braza Family The Brock Family Brokaw Nursery Bryant Street Health & Fitness Tim Bunce Elise Burgett Gayle Caldwell California Door & Hardware Jay Campbell Nancy Cartwright Channel Islands Sportfishing The Cheldin Family Henry Chen Jeffery Chen James Cheng Coldwell Banker The Coffee Connection The Cooper Family The Cottam Family The Cotti Family Cuts & More Thomas Davis Derek Ding Disneyland Resorts The Ducharme Family The Dufau Family Aimee Eccles ESPN Radio Evergreen Chiropractic Faith Lutheran Quilters Feast Bistro The Fennell Family The Ferron Family Laurie Sue Fitzgerald

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Nan Freitas David Garber, D.D.S. George Thompson Diamond Company The Gerdts Family The Graf Family DJ Jason Graf Graphiti T-Shirts Green Thumb Haar Orthodontics Halper Fine Art Photography The Hamann Family Julie Hedrick Jeanne Hill Richard and Carol Hoffer Sloan Hoffman Gino Hollander Victor Huynh Kumiko Irion Island Brewing Company Island Packers The Italo Family Jim Hall Track Time Peter and Anne Kimball '53 Rev. Fr. John Keller, OSA Kindred Spirit The Korzelius Family The Kriby Family The Kumova Family John Kuo David and Amy Lamb '71 Larry Wilde Property Shoppe Las Posas Country Club The Lavender Hotel Kungjin Lee and Jin Ik Park Rich Lee The Lenehan Family Mike Li Limoneira The Lindberg Family The Little Family Christopher Lloyd Wendy Lockwood Lisa Lopez The Lowell Family Vincent Lu Macaroni Grill Sylvia Mack Madeleine Lindvall Massage The Martinson Family Matilija Veterinary Hospital The McAtee Family

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Meiners Oaks Hardware Frances Merkley Mission Linen Supply The Mob Shop Montecito Country Club Patricia Morehart Yeye Mulia Daichi Nakao Janet Ayako Neuwalder Stewart Noh The Norris Family The Ojai Art Center The Oaks at Ojai Ojai Beverage Company Ojai Café Emporium Ojai Community Bank Ojai Olive Oil, Inc. Ojai Valley Athletic Club Ojai Valley Inn & Spa Ojai Surplus Karen Orser Osteria Monte Grappa Pacifica Institute of Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery Palines Family John Palmenteri Debra Palmer Parducci Wine Cellars Party Pleasers Patagonia The Pierpont Inn The Plasmyer Family Dan Poole '01 The Prestridge Family Province of St. Augustine Rainbow Bridge The Ramirez Family The Ranch House Rasmussen & Associates The Rice Bartholio Family The Roberts Family The Rohweller Family The Rowland Family Rubicon Theatre Co. Karen Schutze Santa Anita Park SAS Comfort Shoes The Schlegel Family The Schott Family Carmen Seligman Serendipity Toys

Spring & Summer 2014

Sheer Talent The Shuere Family The Simpson Family Skating Plus Skydive Santa Barbara Debby Smith Sandcastle Time Snapper Jacks Joseph Sohm Soil ‘N Soul Nursery Joseph Sortm The Sullivan Family Su Nido Inn Student to Scholar College Counseling SunWest Studio Suzanne’s Cuisine Conrado Orac and Josephine Tan Tavitts Ojai Valley Card, Gift, and Office Supply Thomas Aquinas College Tina’s Ports of Paradise Tire Man Charito Torio John and Betty Tovar Jackie Urband Ventura Harbor Comedy Club Ventura Signs Villanova Freshman Class Villanova Golf Tournament Committee Villanova Junior Class Villanova Preparatory School Villanova Senior Class Villanova Sophomore Class Wachter Hay & Grain Watermark We Olive John and Vera Welty The West Family Western Trail Rides Westridge Market The Wharf Elizabeth White The Wolfe Family Mars Wu Rain Xie Yuze Yang Yolanda’s Mexican Cafe Yuppy Puppy Pet Spa Henry Zhang Andy Zhu

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Look who has recently been in touch with us...

Send us your update at villanovaprep.org/alumni Click on “Share Your Story”

• Thomas Parks '43 lives in Newport

• William Arnemann '53 retired from the field of banking and lives in

Beach, CA. • Sedge Thomson '43 lives in Seattle,

Honolulu, HI.

WA, after a long career in university • David Poole '54 is retired and living in Lincoln, CA.

administration.

• Alan Rordorf '55 is retired and

• Bill Schuster '44 lives in Laguna Beach and Upper Lake, CA, where

living in Pacifica, CA after a career

he grows walnuts.

as a surveyor.

• James Czuleger '57 lives in

• Jim “Fuzzy” Furlong '50 is a retired social worker now living in

Oceanside, CA, after retiring from a

Woodland, CA.

retail hardware business he ran in Redondo Beach for many years.

• Richard D’Agostino is retired and

• Monsignor Larry Purcell '58 will

living in Carmichael, CA.

celebrate 50 years of priesthood in

• James Frankenberger '52 spent 47

GA, after a long career as a health care administrator.

• Father Ray Elam O.S.A. '61 is an Augustinian priest living at the San Diego, CA, monastery.

• Robert Dougan '62 is retired and living in Indio, CA. • Joseph Johnson '62 is retired from the transportation industry and lives in Modesto, CA. • Michael Corrigan '64 lives in Puerto Rico and works for the FAA as an airworthiness inspector.

• Tom Marvel '54 is a retired

years in Hawaii as a hotel manager

2015. He is currently pastor at the

airline pilot/captain living in Port

before retiring to Sammamish, WA.

church of the Nativity in Rancho

Hueneme, CA.

• Ron Laraneta '52 has retired and is living in Laguna Hills, CA.

Santa Fe, CA. • Lawrence Meagher '60 has retired “by the sea” on St. Simons Island,

• Bill Burkhart '60 lives in Oregon, where he volunteers with Habitat for Humanity after working in accounting and computing for years.

• Robert Montalvo '65 is a clinical psychologist living in Martinez, CA. • Michael Kalasardo '67 is retired after 21 years with the U.S. Naval Reserve and is living in Connecticut.

• Mike Metzler '69 works at William Morris Chevrolet and lives in Fillmore, CA. • Bill Slaton '70 has retired to North Carolina with his wife of 41 years, Kris.

John Bralliar '55 visited campus with several of his children this spring. He is retired and living in Lomita, CA.

• George Joseph Del Pozzo '73 is a freelance writer living in Alexandria, VA.

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• Rob Burlison '83 is a sales rep for

• Andrew Hernandez '00 works for a

Clovis & Roche, living in Louisiana.

bank (by day) in New Hampshire.

• Pete Dufau '84 is a landscape

He is also a partner in a California-

architect living in Ventura.

based film production company,

• Claudia Herrera-Mathieu '89 is a purchasing manager at Griplock

Agent Gringo Productions.

• Russell Powell '01 is a neurology

Systems in Carpinteria.

resident at Emory University

• Jacob Balderas '90 is a structural engineer working for the city of

Hospital in Atlanta, GA. • Eric Biersmith '02 is a senior

Portland, OR. Joseph Fitzpatrick '71 visited campus with his fiancée this spring.

systems analyst for the U.S.

• Jebo Lopez '91 is owner of Wheelz

Department of Homeland Security.

Up, a delivery service for the

• Erica Helson '04 has graduated

automotive industry based in

with an MPA in Environmental

Maryland.

Science and Policy from Columbia University and is an energy

• Paul Finie '74 is a business

consultant at Steven Winter

consultant living in Los Alamitos,

Associates, Inc.

CA.

• John-Clark Levin '07 is attending

• Longtime screenwriter Melodie

Harvard University, working

Everson '75 is living in Seoul,

toward a Master in Public Policy

South Korea working as a foreign

at the John F. Kennedy School of

correspondent.

Government.

• Brian Toohey '75 lives in Ventura,

• Tayla Muise '12 is attending Mills

CA, works at Home Depot and

College in Oakland, CA.

teaches parent skills classes.

• Bruce Kaminski '76 is an attorney with the California Department of Water Resources

Janet Song '00 visited campuos with her husband this spring.

• Julie Imel McClain '79 is an auditor working for Shell Oil. • Chris Merkley '82 is a speech language pathologist working for

• Beth Hahn Kaser '94 is a teacher in the Oxnard School District.

• Jeanette de Luca Occhipinti '95 is

Mobile Medical Contractors all over

the director of brand and project

the United States.

management for Terravant Wine

• David Dufau '83 works for Pepsico and lives in Alamo, CA. • Maureen Guinan Flannery '83 is an attorney living in Palm Springs, CA.

Company.

• Jonathan Solorzano '00 is an in-house corporate attorney for Amyris, Inc. He lives in San Francisco, CA.

Elizabeth Huber '05 is a Naval officer working in public works/facilities management at the Philadelphia Naval Yard.

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Alumni Share Life’s Lessons at Career Day The second annual Career Day for seniors was held in March. A dozen alumni – ranging from the classes of 1949 to 2007 and working as district attorneys to marine biologist – shared details about their professions, job outlook, and qualities that make it in the marketplace. Here is what they shared with Villanova students.

Blaise Castren '71, Senior Editor, Yahoo What education/training did you need for your current position?

I majored in journalism at San Jose State University and spent many years as a writer, columnist, and editor at several print newspapers.

Can you share a major accomplishment?

I was an online journalism pioneer at the San Jose Mercury News. We were one of the first newspapers to put our contents online on AOL. A year later we were launching our website with no real templates. It was much trial and error on the fly. I remember being handed a 300-page book on HTML and told to learn it in a week so we could code and design our pages.

What advice do you have for students considering a job in your field?

Stay informed, be well-rounded, and stay ahead of the curve in terms of media trends.

What’s the job market like in your industry?

Terrible for print journalists, but not bad in the online world if you’re wellrounded and flexible.

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Jim Walker '54, RETIRED College President, ConsultanT to the California Community College system.

Manny Diez '49, Screenwriter What education/training did you need for your current position?

None Can you share a major accomplishment?

A documentary I wrote on the design, construction, and installation of the Holocaust Memorial on Miami Beach won a Gabriel Award.

What advice do you have for students considering a job in your field?

Be an observer of life. Read a lot. Everything. See films that get your attention. Go back and see them again.

Resist the temptation to copy another writer’s style. You’ll never be as good as them. Try to be better!

What education/training did you need for your current position?

A doctoral degree.

Can you share a major accomplishment?

Establishing The High School at Moorpark College.

What advice do you have for students considering a job in your field?

It’s all about people skills and being a team player.

What’s the job market like in your industry?

Good and getting better.

What’s the job market like in your industry?

It’s a killer! EVERYBODY writes screenplays!

Sydney Malkin '04, Real Estate Broker What education/training did you need for your current position? real estate school, bachelor’s degree, and passing the Brokers Exam

Delanee Wijesekra Hicks '90, Deputy D.A. What education/training did you need for your current position?

A law degree and trial skills.

Can you share a major accomplishment?

Successfully prosecuting a child molester who had victimized four young girls.

What advice do you have for students considering a job in your field?

This is a job about seeking justice for the victims, defendant, and society.

What’s the job market like in your industry?

Very competitive.

Can you share a major accomplishment?

Passing the Brokers Exam in California and Pennsylvania.

Hiring people to work for me has been an amazing feeling.

What advice do you have for students considering a job in your field?

It takes a lot of motivation to run your own business, but it is great to work for yourself and to make your own money.

What’s the job market like in your industry?

The real estate profession will always be around, and it goes in waves. If you can succeed in a down time, then it is really prosperous when the market goes up.

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Maria Christina Vasquez Haakensen '01, Post-Doctoral Researcher/ Professor

Lauren Sims '05, Lawyer What education/training did you need for your current position?

B.A., J.D. (3 years), Bar exam. Education is ongoing, both because it is a requirement of the State Bar, and also because the law keeps changing and it is impossible to know everything in a certain field. Each client’s problem or goal is unique.

Can you share a major accomplishment?

I’ve had an article published in a legal journal.

What advice do you have for students considering a job in your field?

The profession is what you make of it, and there is a lot of room to create your own, unique practice. Because of the vastness of the legal profession, doing legalrelated internships during college and in law school is fundamental for getting an idea of what each sector of the law is like.

What’s the job market like in your industry?

It is especially difficult to get “big law jobs” and certain public-interest sector jobs – including state and federal government jobs – straight out of law school. Legal recruiters want experience, a track record, and connections to the location of the job.

A special thanks to these four alums who attended Career Day for the second year in a row!

Fred Lack '66 real estate investor John-Clark Levin '07 author, graduate student Tagg Baker '92 insurance broker Paul Dougherty '51 fire arms/criminologist

What education/training did you need for your current position?

A PhD as well as research and teaching experience.

Can you share a major accomplishment?

Mentoring to Hispanic students who have or are about to begin their own PhDs in marine biology.

What advice do you have for students considering a job in your field?

Get research experience early (sophomore year) to get an idea of what kind of research you like.

What’s the job market like in your industry?

Very competitive for academic research positions because federal funding for scientific research has been cut so much and there is little grant money available. However, research positions in industry (e.g., biotech companies), are looking to hire researchers and do not require a PhD. Bill Nugent '57, Naval Criminal Investigator What education/training did you need for your current position?

The military provided training. A bachelor’s degree is required. Prior law-enforcement experience is a plus.

Can you share a major accomplishment?

Resolving a $3 million major arson case aboard a U.S. Navy ship in the Mediterranean.

What advice do you have for students considering a job in your field?

If considering a law-enforcement career remember it is a public-service job in which you will not become wealthy.

Your behavior is under scrutiny and you are held to a higher standard. g

Next year’s Career Day is March 24. To take part, please contact Jessica Benson via email at jbenson@villanovaprepadmin.org.

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April 5 in Philadelphia a Fun Time A cadre of alums spanning 35 years convened in Philadelphia for a reunion mixer.

The site was Bistro St. Tropez, a cozy French restaurant with a commanding city view across from the 30th Street train station.

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Representing class years 1979 to 2013 were: Robert Deyling '79

Jesus Vasquez '97

John Deyling '80

Erica Ogg '00

Juliana Fahringer West '86

Candace Brown '00

Jenny Anderson '86

Dan Koik '00

Missy Vasconcellos '86

John-Philip Mogg '04

Colin McLaren '88

Elizabeth Huber '05

Kelly Hughes '89

Harrison Haas '06

Eliza Nagel '93

Elena Arnold '06

Dan Lammot '94

Adam Ogg '08

Travis Nelson '94

Will Schoof '12 Jackson Anderson '13

Villanova personnel included Prior Provincial Fr. Gary Sanders O.S.A., President Fr. John Keller O.S.A., Headmaster Carol Hoffer, Tim Bunce, Jeanne Hill, Br. Mike Bube O.S.A., and Lisa Lopez.

New President Charlie Roy was also present.

Many thanks to Travis Nelson for encouraging Villanova to make the trip to the East Coast!

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The Villanova Prep Story, 1924-2014 A Brief Account of Origins, Structures, Vision

By Fr. John Keller, O.S.A., relying heavily on the work of Fr. John Sanders, O.S.A. The Villanova Prep story begins

families would support the project.

McGrath became the first donor

with a request in the fall of 1922

In November, 1923, the Augustinians

to the project. He along with the

by John Cantwell, bishop of the

accepted the mission and named

Borchards and Largomarsinos

Diocese of Monterey-Los Angeles to

Fr. John Howard, OSA, as the

became guarantors of the loan.

the Augustinian provincial, Nicholas

“Administrator of the proposed

Names of those first supporters and

Vasey: he wanted “a college for

Ojai foundation.” Later that month,

school founders are enshrined in

boarding students in this diocese.

Howard, age 49 and never before

a plaque in the lobby of Cantwell

I have no boarding school for boys

involved in teaching, arrived at the

Hall, the names of many Ventura

beyond the 12th year.” Development

Ventura train station.

County families who supported and

to college status for the planned

benefited from the school that, in

school was to be gradual for the

John J. Burke of Ojai and rancher

the planning, was sometimes called

Bishop had also received requests

Joe McGrath of Oxnard proposed

“Augustinian Academy,” sometimes

from Catholic families on the Oxnard

buying 25 acres in Ojai. Howard,

“St. Augustine’s Prep School,” and

plain for a boarding school for their

with amazing foresightedness for

finally opened on October 12, 1924,

high school age boys. Cantwell was

the future of Villanova, insisted on

as “Villanova Preparatory School of

looking for land in the Ojai area and

buying a larger parcel, 131 acres at

Ojai.”

assured Vasey that Oxnard ranching

$150 an acre.

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Designed by the Los Angeles

Villanova was to remain small

Villanova faced hardships in the

architect Albert C. Martin, the

throughout the twenties, with only

early 1930s: low enrollment (36

proposal was for both a boarding

28 students graduating during the

students graduated between 1930

high school and college in the

decade. And hopes of a boarding

and 1932, only one graduated in each

California Mission style. On opening

college in Ojai were dampened when

of the next two years), a challenge

day only 15 boys (Howard had hoped

the Jesuits announced in 1928 the

regarding and the need for economic

for “at least 30”) entered what is now

relocation of their respected Loyola

stability. Fr. John Bauman, O.S.A.,

Cantwell Hall and began to study in

College from Venice Boulevard in

in a short tenure as Headmaster,

Austin Hall, the only buildings on

Los Angeles to a site in the Del Rey

righted the school’s difficulties, and

the campus. Two Augustinians and

Hills. By 1930, Loyola had boarding

Fr. James Hurley, O.S.A., became

three laymen were the faculty.

facilities for male collegians, and the

Headmaster in 1936 (he was to serve

need for a facility in Ojai evaporated.

until 1944) and strengthened the young school. During the World War II years, he credited the school’s gradual growth (and survival) to the hard work of the Augustinians who maintained the facilities throughout the summers, to dedicated employees like Mrs. “Ma” Thompson (devoted cook for the boys and Augustinians), and to frequent financial aid from the Augustinian province headquarters.

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Villanova, in the post-War years

Barracks were made into dorms for

Fr. Wilbert Kirk, O.S.A., became

saw significant growth (from 25

returning veterans who did post-

headmaster in 1953 and Villanova

students before the War, to 125

graduate studies at Villanova, the

continued to prosper.

in the late 40s) with a talented

old ranch house near Camp Comfort

group of Augustinians and dynamic

became home for 10 “selected boys,”

With the arrival of Fr. John Glynn,

headmasters, John A. Walsh, O.S.A.,

a 16- stall horse stable was built,

O.S.A., as head of the school in 1960,

and Kenneth J. Kennedy, O.S.A.

Cantwell Hall got a new kitchen and

major changes came to the campus in

a new wing for students, and the

the construction of a new dormitory

“Fathers’ Club Hall” (now Ingalls’

for 26 students (Glynn Hall) and

Hall) was built.

then an administration building which was completed in 1967 (Goggin

As Fr. Kennedy left Villanova in

Hall). In 1970 a major change came

1953, he left lasting memories of

in response to the request of parents

his care for the campus: the Rose Walk along the pathway outside of Cantwell and Austin Halls; and the grotto in mid-campus which was completed in 1952.

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for a Villanova education for their daughters after the close of St. Catherine’s in Ventura: Villanova went coeducational.

The challenge to meet the needs of girls was met by Fr. Anthony Wasko, O.S.A. (head of school from 1969 to

During the last years of the 20th century, Villanova

1975) and dedicated staff. The number of coeds grew

experienced a growth in the number of day students and

quickly and became a welcome

the resident students became

addition to school life. In 1983 the

increasingly international.

school built the McGrath Science

Improvement in facilities

Center. In the Fall of 1987 the

included the construction of

school welcomed young women

the Clark Gymnasium (1990),

to the resident program and they

an aquatic center and three

boarded in Glynn Hall.

additional lighted tennis

In 1989, through a generous

courts (1997), four additional

endowment from the Luce

classrooms (2001), a recreation

Foundation, the Clare Boothe Luce

center near Cantwell Hall

Scholars program was established

(2002), and an outdoor

to provide a unique Villanova

amphitheater (2005).

Prep program in the sciences and

Under the leadership of

mathematics for young women.

Headmaster Anthony Sabatino

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(2002-2009) Villanova entered the new century with

Father Greg Heidenblut O.S.A., served as President

development of a more diversified and strengthened

from 2009-2013. Carol Hoffer has been headmaster since

curriculum, a more developed language acquisition

2009.

program, additional Advanced Placement courses, a more vigorous athletic program, and advancements in

In 2012 Ingalls Hall was transformed into a state-of-

technology.

the-art theater. This was a project near and dear to Fr. Heidenblut’s heart.

In 2004 Villanova hosted the first gathering of the Institute for Augustinian Values in Education, which continues to bring together hundreds of Augustinian educators in North America to strengthen the mission of the schools.

A notable change to the campus occurred in 2006 when the school developed a new school entrance on Villanova Road, enhanced parking, and a pedestrian-only campus core. A covered dining patio was added in 2007 due to the fundraising efforts of the Parent Guild. In 2009 a matching locker facility was added.

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Father John Keller O.S.A., served

students from Central America,

combined with creative responses to

as President for three semesters

Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe.

the changing needs of students and

from 2013 to 2014 and oversaw the

The day students come from the Ojai

the community it serves continues to

writing of a new Strategic Plan and

valley as well as the coastal corridor

this day.

the hiring of Villanova’s first lay

from Thousand Oaks to Santa

president.

Barbara, which is served by bus and

We are ever thankful for the

van transportation.

dedication of over 100 Augustinians

On July 1 Charles Roy became

who have served the school and the

the school’s sixth presidint since

remarkable talents and gifts of lay

Villanova adopted the president/

Villanova still offers an excellent

men and women who have partnered

headmaster leadership model in

Catholic college-preparatory

in the mission.

1988.

education focused on the Augustinian values of truth, unity, and love.

We appreciate also the enduring

A steadfast commitment to

Villanova graduates attend

commitment of families, alumni,

technology has resulted in Villanova

prestigious colleges and universities,

donors, and members of the Board

having many SMART technology

and many receive generous academic

of Directors who have provided

classrooms, a wireless infrastructure

scholarships.

sustaining leadership and resources.

and a one-to-one tablet program.

Join us as we celebrate 90 years of Today Villanova serves 260 students,

A steadfast commitment to its

excellence throughout the 2014-2015

more than 90 which are international

mission of personal care of students,

school year.

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The 90th Anniversary kickoff is July 26 at the Wildcat Weekend BBQ. All are invited, alumni, family or friends of Villanova Prep.

After nearly a year of campus events and memories, the 90th Anniversary will be highlighted on March 28, when all are invited to the Camarillo Ranch House for the annual auction and dinner.

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Strategic Plan 2013 - 2019

Bring Your Family and Friends to Wildcat Weekend, R.S.V.P. today!

Alumni Luau, July 25

___ # of persons x $50 = $______ Dorm Room, July 25 $25 per person x ___ persons = $______

Wildcat BBQ, July 26 ___# of adults x $30 = $______ Dorm Room, July 26 $25 per person x ___ persons = $______ ___# of children x $15 = $______ Total Amount $______

Name_______________________________________ Address ___________________________________________

City _____________________ State ______ Zip ___________

Phone ________________足_______________________ Email _____________________________________________ Please make checks payable to VPS or pay by credit card: c Visa

c MasterCard

Exp. Date ______ Security Code ________

Card #_______________________________________ Signature __________________________________________ For more info: Jeanne Hill at alumni@villanovaprep.org, 805-646-1464, ext. 126, www.villanovaprep.org/alumni 32

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Excellence Riley Schreiner '14 California Scholarship Federation National Honor Society Graduated Summa Cum Laude, 4.0 or above Completed the Centurion Swim of 2013, a 1.25-mile

In Search of Excellence ‌ through the Spirit of Truth, Unity and Love

swim from Alcatraz Island to Aquatic Park in the Bay of San Francisco.

Striving for excellence is the cornerstone of success in any field, perhaps most importantly in the field of education. It is within institutions of learning that business professionals, diplomats, politicians, and presidents, as well as teachers, doctors, sports figures,

Zoe Appleby '14

and people in all walks of life learn skills and information

California Scholarship

that launch them into their respective fields and

Federation

contribute to their successes. The teaching and learning

National Honor Society

that take place in the formative years influences many of

Graduated Summa Cum

the decisions made throughout life.

Laude, 4.0 or above In 2014 received the

Excellence in education aptly describes what takes

Naomi Norton Memorial

place within Augustinian institutions of learning, especially

Award for exemplifying the

at Villanova Preparatory School in the Ojai Valley.

Augustinian core values while excelling in the performing arts.

Received the Girl Scouts Gold seal award in 2013 for running a children’s theater group in Santa Paula.

Boyu (Peter) Shen '14 California Scholarship Federation National Honor Society Graduated Summa Cum Laude, 4.0 or above Received the Villanova Award from faculty for exemplifying the true spirit of Villanova by loyalty to the school, sincere efforts in study, exemplary deportment and leadership and generous service to the community. Was baptized into the Catholic faith in 2014.

Stepping on to the wellmanicured grounds the visitor is immediately met with a sense of beauty, peace and order.

Scattered throughout the campus are banners proclaiming the core values inherent in Augustinian education: TRUTH, UNITY and LOVE, offering a glimpse of what shapes programs and learning within the Villanova community.

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Excellence

As Villanova approaches the 90th anniversary of its

holding back outstanding students in math, science, or

founding, it is fitting to look at what excellence means

any other subject in their quest for greater knowledge,

at the school. Society offers a definition of excellence

Villanova offers these students the opportunity to share

that includes words such as greatness, perfection, and

their gifts with others who might benefit from help. This

supremacy. The antonyms are averageness, mediocrity,

can be seen in every program offered at the school.

and ordinariness. Describing Villanova as average or ordinary is unquestionably not a proper description, yet neither is perfection or supremacy. Is it fair to say that at Villanova – because of the core values of truth, unity and love, the paradigm we are accustomed to in terms of excellence is shifted, from superiority and competition to the development of each student’s gifts and the practice of collaboration as a means of creating a more just world?

While the ideal of excellence is indeed positive it

The core values demonstrated leaves systems open to corruption. in every aspect of education at Villanova counter the notion of excellence as a solitary means of selfpromotion and tie it into a communal mission seeking the greater good.

A student’s personal best is encouraged not for the sake of being the smartest or greatest, but for the sake of the student’s growth and development and where that has the potential to lead them.

It is important to note that Villanova is a college preparatory school demanding high standards of academic achievement. The courses are rigorous and expectations high that students are willing to study and participate in each academic class and extracurricular experience with gusto. It is a small school which allows every student the opportunity to feel an integral part of a larger community. It is a place where everybody knows your name. Remedial classes are not part of the

How can one ruthlessly compete with another when

curriculum, though help to master subjects for those

there is a shared interest in the overall good of the other

in need of assistance and encouragement is readily

and in the community in which both live? While not

available. Students and parents are aware of all of this

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Excellence

when they choose to attend Villanova, and by all reports

Evans came to Villanova in 2010 with a rich

their decisions result in highly positive recommendations

background that includes eight years as an Episcopalian

to others.

priest before joining the Catholic tradition, many years in public education and a brand new degree in classics from

In an attempt to unpack what excellence means to

the University of California, Santa Barbara. His search

the community of teachers and learners at Villanova,

for excellence led him to study at an age when many

a few of them, along with a distinguished graduate

men spend their days on the golf course. He thoroughly

from the late '70s, agreed to share their thoughts and

enjoyed his studies: “It was like skiing downhill and the

experiences.

best experience of my life.”

Virgil Evans,

In an age when Latin seems to belong to another

Latin teacher and long-time

era, Evans lists many reasons to study the language

educator, characterizes

including the fact that it provides mental discipline, is

excellence at Villanova

relentlessly logical, is a great vocabulary builder, and has

as “the sum total of what

contributed a number of terms to politics, medicine, and

everyone does here … from

law. He claims that knowing Latin makes the acquisition

students to ground crew to

of Italian, Spanish, and French much easier. In addition

teachers, administration

to being a wonderful teacher of Latin, Evans brings his

– everyone.” He sees it as

experiences of searching for personal excellence to his

a spirit or attitude that

students, motivating and inspiring them beyond the

clearly announces, “the

confines of the classroom.

mission of this school matters and I am part of

Brian Galetto is relatively new to Villanova,

it.” He is pragmatic, adding

yet he conveys a deep understanding of Augustinian

that this does not happen

education and philosophy due to his years as a student

all of the time but often enough to make it a reality.

at St. Augustine Prep in New Jersey. This firsthand knowledge as well as his youthful enthusiasm help

Evans believes that excellence can be measured

him relate to the students he teaches within the

in grades, tests, and college admissions. He praises

English Department.

Villanova as doing quite well with these, however, he

His freshman

also sees excellence as elusive. From the vantage point of

communications

a teacher, he says, “None of us knows how long students

course is geared to the

will carry the seed of an idea within them, only to see it

challenges of effective

bloom fully at some unknown part of life.” He is quite

communication in a

sure this has gone on many times over the 90-year

diverse technical world.

history of the school and will continue into the future.

Not only does he guide

He adds that there is moral excellence to consider, which

students in the art of

consists of the virtues we never fully acquire but strive

conversational, written

for throughout life. He cites Villanova’s core values of

and oral presentation

truth, unity, and love as similar things we strive for but

skills, he also focuses

“require God’s grace for their taking root in us.”

on social media with

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Excellence

an eye to digital responsibility. He

A 10 year veteran on the

helps students learn to use Twitter

faculty at Villanova, Jermaine

and write effective emails aware

Britton coaches swimming and

that these forms of communication

water polo, while teaching physical

are evolving and growing in use and

education and health to freshmen.

popularity. He believes this course is

His personal story of overcoming

important because it gives students

a setback in high school guides his

practical life skills vital in any

work with the students. Despite

profession.

being an avid baseball player in high school he was unexpectedly

Galetto describes excellence as a

cut from the team. It was a major

combination of doing one’s best while

disappointment. A surprise

being aware of others. He says it

invitation to join the swim team,

has more to do with building strong

however, set him on a course that

playing team sports. He looks at the

communities than with being the

led to success in college. He shares

long term well-being of the student

greatest in the community. In class

this story as a concrete example of

as he addresses mental-health

he encourages students to become

how a setback can lead to unforeseen

issues, personality differences and

conscious of the world they live in.

opportunity, which supports his

disorders, offering nutrition tips

Hethen moves them to action on that

teaching philosophy of planting seeds

meant to be relevant long beyond the

consciousness through a number of

for life.

teen years. It is a holistic approach

outreach programs designed to help people who are poor or living on the streets in Ventura County.

focusing on the long-term welfare of Britton’s course – Fit for Life

the individual. While students might

– not only introduces students to

not appreciate this at an age where

different team sports but also equips

they feel invincible, their parents

them with skills that will serve them

certainly do!

when they are beyond the age of Excellence, for Britton, is about reaching one’s own potential – not in comparison with another, but bringing out one’s best. He sees perseverance and hard work as part of reaching one’s own excellence and harkens back to his premise that sometimes failure or rejection projects one to unexpected success.

Brian Grisin has been a teacher at Villanova in the Religion Department for 15 years as well as a tennis and golf coach. A former

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Excellence

Zoe Appleby

polo, drama, wonderful classes, both regular and AP, and from fellow students from a variety of countries.”

This year she broke the school record for the number of blocks made by a woman water polo goalie in both a season and in a career. She is also very proud of her part in the school play, Life with Father adding that her favorite role was that of Nurse Preen in The Man Who Came to Dinner. seminarian, he appreciates the

Students also shared thoughts

charism of the Augustinian Order

on the topic of excellence and what it

and has dedicated his life to Catholic

means at Villanova.

“stretching your potential as far as you can in order to understand

education. In his words, “Excellence is a lifelong pursuit that can only

Zoe explains excellence as

Zoe Appleby, a graduating

yourself and the world around you.”

be evaluated by asking ourselves

senior, knew the minute she walked

She does not believe it necessarily

… have we made the world a

onto the Villanova campus that this

means “getting the best grades,

better place.” He believes that it is

was the school for her. Over time

taking the most AP courses, or

important to strive for excellence

she realized the draw was the sense

ending up with the highest-paying

in every endeavor. He is not a fan

of community she felt as well as the

job.” She appreciates that Villanova

of “just good enough.” He sees it as

myriad of opportunities available to

with its core value of veritas – truth

selling ourselves and the world short,

her. She has not been disappointed:

– realizes that beneath grade point

limiting the potential each of us

“Villanova has offered me amazing

averages, AP scores, and college

inherently possesses.

opportunities to explore myself and

acceptances, the most important

to expand my mind … through water

thing is still the search for the truth.

Grisin’s varied responsibilities at Villanova gives him a unique perspective. Mentoring students in the classroom and on the sports field allows him to observe firsthand their continued pursuit of excellence in athletics, arts and drama, leadership and service to others. He especially appreciates that Villanova students can excel in sports and successfully balance class work while collectively giving thousands of hours in service to people who are poor and in need.

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Excellence

willing to work at not for the grade

For Peter, seeking excellence

he might achieve in the class but for

is a balancing act between working

the pure joy of learning. He believes

hard and having fun in life, which at

an “A” grade is not always what it

times, he says, can be demanding. He

seems and does not always measure

described excellence at Villanova as

excellence. He uses the example of

the task of a “moral person who can

the bright student who does not have

take responsibility for himself and

to exert much effort to receive an “A.”

the community,” a sentiment echoed

This is not an indicator of excellence

by everyone who contributed to this

for Riley. In his view excellence is

discussion.

when a bright student who easily achieves “A’s” delves deeper into a

Peter recently embraced

particular subject doing work beyond

Catholicism. His thoughts on this

what the grade requires.

experience are profound: “I feel thrilled to have my first life-changing

She likes the fact that Villanova has

Peter Shen, a boarding

event – Baptism, a ritual that

a strong Catholic identity, offering

student from China, and graduating

symbolizes my rebirth. It is not a

students “every opportunity to seek

senior, chose Villanova with the

complicated journey for me to decide

the truth, not only through academics

support of his parents because it

to enter a new life as a Christian.

but also through faith and love.”

offered a comprehensive education

When I am at my toughest and most

and opportunity for a total

exhausted time, I think of God and

immersion into American culture.

read the Scripture. The process keeps

himself at Villanova upon his first

He says of his experience, “I feel

me calm, and I understand more on

visit to the campus as well. As he

very content and honored to be at

how to live and how to think.”

prepares to enter UC Davis in the

Villanova and with my wonderful

fall he speaks fondly of his time at

classmates. I have learned a lot both

Villanova. “I knew I would never

inside and outside of classrooms.” He

Sean O’Hollaren, a 1979

get lost. It is a small, nurturing

cherishes many moments of his four

graduate of Villanova and this

place.” He praises teachers and

years, including jokes in Dr. Lee’s

year’s commencement speaker,

coaches as always being available

class, Wildcat Day with his tribe

offered his perspective, beginning

to help or to take the student to the

members, all the fun in the dorms,

with the acknowledgment that his

next level of learning or research.

and especially the farewell during

years at Villanova allowed him to

When commenting on the notion of

graduation.

make a major course correction

Riley Schreiner imagined

In conclusion the Honorable

excellence, Riley says it is something you pursue for yourself, not for what others might think of you.

He sees the pursuit of excellence as a personally motivated journey that is enhanced by the educational system at Villanova. He excells in math, a subject he loves, and is

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Villanova Excellence in Athletics!

Six Villanova teams came in first in the 2014 CIF Southern Section Small School Team Academic Championship for grade point averages.

The winning teams are: girls’ tennis (3.88), girls’ swimming (3.87), boys’ golf (3.8), boys’ swimming (3.8), boys’ water polo (3.78), and football (3.51).

This is the third consecutive year the girls’ tennis team has won the award and the second year the boys’ water polo team has won.

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Excellence

in life in terms of academics and perhaps more importantly in terms of personal relationships and his faith. He took all he learned at Villanova to Willamette

2014-2015 Calendar

University in Oregon, where he graduated with a degree in Political Science and Psychology and then moved to Washington D.C., to begin an internship in the United States Senate.

October 10 Grandparents’ Day. Mass and luncheon for current Villanova Prep families. 11 a.m.

It was at this point that O’Hollaren realized his true Villanova education was just beginning. The core values of truth, unity, and love served him well as his career took him through various levels of government, from working with Senator Mark Hatfield of Oregon to the White House, where he served in a number of positions. In the midst of all of this, O’Hollaren also had the opportunity to work with the Missionaries

October 11 Founders’ Day. Mass and dinner for descendants of Villanova’s founding families, sustainers, and donor members of the President’s Club. 4:30 p.m.

November 1 Homecoming BBQ and Football game. Open to the public. $25 per person. 12:30 p.m. Tickets at www.villanovaprep.org/donate

of Charity in Washington D.C., and with Mother Teresa in her Anacostia mission. He remembers well her response when asked how she cared for so many sick and dying people day after day, often seeing no improvement in their health: “God didn’t call me to be successful, He called me to be faithful.”

He shared her words with the 2014 graduates as a way of cautioning them that while success is admirable and a goal to work toward, faithfulness is primary.

Today O’Hollaren is senior vice president, government and public affairs at Nike and enjoys life with his wife and three children in Portland, Oregon.

“Excellence is an aspirational goal. No matter how good you are at something, there is always a way to improve some aspect,” he says. “Achieving excellence is knowing that every situation presents an opportunity to learn and improve, and that you never stop doing either.”

All of these stories about Villanova offers – in terms of education and what excellence means in that milieu – attest to the Scriptural message that all are gifted and called in some way. They confirm the fact that excellence is not the same experience for everyone. Villanova takes pride in helping students identify and strengthen their gifts, keeping in mind the words found in Corinthians: “But as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness and in our love for you – see that you excel in

November 21-23 Fall Play (90th anniversary theme – TBA) Open to the public. $15. Tickets at www. villanovaprep.org/donate December 5 Christmas Party for donor members of the President’s Club.

January 30 Staff appreciation luncheon and reunion for past staff members. 11:30 a.m.

TBA Golf tournament to benefit Wildcat Athletics. Open to the public.

March 28 Auction to benefit Villanova. Camarillo Ranch House.

Open to the public. Tickets at www. villanovaprep.org/donate April 23-26 Spring Musical (90th anniversary theme – TBA) Open to the public. $15. Tickets at www. villanovaprep.org/donate May 22 Baccalaureate Mass, St. Thomas Aquinas Church. Open to the public. 7 p.m.

this act of grace also” (2 Corinthians 8:7).

(Read more about Villanova’s quest for excellence on p. 14 Tribes Instill Quest for Excellence and p. 44 Service to Others as a Pathway to Excellence)

August 15 All-school Mass in Clark Gymnasium celebrating 90 years.

Free and open to the public. No RSVPs necessary. 9:30 a.m.

g

May 23 Graduation, Campus. Open to the public. 11 a.m.

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A Tale of Two Martin Sisters A key turning point in the history of Villanova was the decision to admit girls.

According to the “gold book” written by Yvonne Bodle for Villanova’s 50th Anniversary, “Villanova Prep School, for 46 years an all-boy campus, went coed in the fall of 1970. The move had been considered seriously since 1968 when St. Catherine’s School for Girls closed.” The decision to admit girls was also based on Villanova’s desire to modernize.

“Many private school are now seeking to prepare their students for the modern worked, “ explained Fr. Anthony Wasco O.S.A., who became headmaster in the fall of 1969. “Traditional school is admitting girls as part of this updating.”

Among the first girls to enroll were Terry Blair and Teri LaVigne. Both graduated just one school year later in 1971.

The Martin girls, Annie and Mary, also enrolled in the fall of 1970. Mary graduated in 1972 and Annie in 1973. Both married their high school sweethearts, boys they met at Villanova! We asked the Martin sisters to recall their time at Villanova.

A couple of Villanova’s first girls.

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What brought you to Villanova?

each summer, but somehow we always ended up back together. We went to the prom together for three years in

Annie: My older brother, Dominic, went to Villanova; he

a row. We married in December of 1973 at the St. Thomas

graduated in 1969. My parents really wanted my sister,

Aquinas Chapel in downtown Ojai, which is now the local

Mary, and I, who were a few years younger, to go to

history museum. Fr. Walter Vogel O.S.A., was the main

Villanova as well, but it was an all-boys school at the time.

celebrant and Fr. Wasko, Fr. Smith, Fr. McLaughlin,

My dad, Ed Martin, joined Villanova’s board sometime

Fr. Blethen, Fr. Sanders, and Fr. Corr, concelebrated.

during my brother’s years at Villanova. The school was

Interestingly, Fr. Keller wouldn’t participate; he said

down in its enrollment and struggling financially at the

John was ready to be married but I wasn’t. I realize now

time, partly because single sex schools were out of vogue.

that he was right!

My dad was honestly a big proponent of going co-ed, both for its financial benefits and for obvious personal reasons.

Girls were first admitted in the fall of '70, when I was a

What can you say about marrying your high school sweetheart?

sophomore and Mary was a junior. That first day was Mary: To fall in love as a young person is a very special

quite memorable!

thing. Young people know what is in their hearts. I knew

Whom did you meet and marry at VPS?

then (as I know now) that I loved David, and we have had more than 40 years of happiness together!

Mary: David Weyrich, also class of 1972. We started dating the first year I was at Villanova. We went off to

Annie: I was 18 and he was 19, so we have honestly

Helena, Montana, to go to Carroll College together. We

grown up together. We went to Ventura College and

were married in 1974 and today we have been blessed

then onto UCSB together. We had two kids by the time

with eight children and nine grandchildren (so far!).

we were done with our degrees from UCSB. I wouldn’t actually advise someone to get married so young, but it

John Bowler. He was a year above me, in

has worked out amazingly well. We have five wonderful

my sister’s class. We met in the fall of my first year at

children, three awesome grandchildren, and we are still

Villanova. He was from Saudi Arabia, so he would leave

each other’s best friend.

Annie:

Annie Martin

John Bowler

Mary Martin

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David Weyrich

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.

Sixty-Three Graduate from Villanova Prep on May 24 Celebrations for graduation at Villanova Preparatory School begin with a Baccalaureate Mass at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 23, at St Thomas Aquinas Parish. Commencement was at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 24, in the Villanova Grotto. The ceremony was presided over by the Very Rev. Gary Sanders, O.S.A., Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Augustine.

Villanova G o l d M e da l Awar d s

THE ATHLETIC AWARDS are awarded to Justin David

THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD

THE REV. JOHN F. GLYNN

Rohweller and Erin Nicole Millage, who have displayed

is awarded to Liliana

AWARD FOR CHRISTIAN

excellence in athletics in at least two sports and maintained a

Ascension Torres, who has

CONDUCT is awarded to

3.0 grade point average and a good citizenship record.

earned the title of class

Keola Garcia Ramirez, who,

valedictorian by virtue of

in the opinion of the faculty,

attaining the highest grade

embodies the teachings of

point average, representing

St. Augustine by building

four years of academic studies

community while promoting

at Villanova.

charity, Christian service, and justice among the Villanova students, faculty, and staff.

THE FINE ARTS AWARD

THE HEADMASTER’S

THE AUGUSTINIAN

THE VILLANOVA AWARD

FOR PERFORMING ARTS

AWARD is awarded to Naomi

AWARD and THE FINE

is awarded to Boyu (Peter)

is presented to Haley Erin

Kathryn Lu, who has earned

ARTS AWARD FOR VISUAL

Shen, who, in the opinion of

Yanez, who has brought

the title of class salutatorian

ARTS is awarded to Yi-

the faculty, has exemplified

beauty to the world by

by virtue of attaining the

Ge (Eva) Fang, who, best

in the past years the true

excelling in at least one of the

second-highest grade point

exemplified the virtues of

spirit of Villanova by loyalty

performing arts.

average, representing four

trust, honesty, leadership,

to the school, by sincere

years of academic studies at

and loyalty and has brought

efforts in study, by exemplary

Villanova.

beauty to the world by

deportment, by leadership

excelling in at least one of the

qualities on campus, and by

visual arts.

generous service to the school.

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The 2014 graduating class by the numbers:

21 42 39

females

males

day students

24

resident students coming

from Turkey, Indonesia, South Korea, China, and Taiwan

15

Day students coming from middle schools

throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties The class of 2014 is going to colleges and universities which include: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo; Ecole cantonale d/art de Lausanne; Switzerland, Gonzaga University; Loyola Marymount University; Michigan State University; Northeastern University; Pennsylvania State University; the University of California: Berkley, Davis, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Irvine; and the University of Southern California.

The class of 2014

did

2,977

hours of

Christian service for organizations like the Ojai Raptor Center and Hogar Infantil Orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico.

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Service to Others as

a Pathway to Excellence Remaining true to its Augustinian

give good insight into the spirituality

“In a Catholic school context, or in

mission and core values, Villanova

of youth at Villanova,” she says. But

the school of life, excellence is not just

Prep seeks to establish within students

does that correlate to excellence? “I

about being outstanding, exceptionally

a lifelong commitment and passion for

usually associate excellence with the

good,

service to others. Graduates spend a

business world promising to satisfy

empathetic and compassionate,” she

minimum of 70 hours in service to the

the customer,” Sr. Catherine said.

says. “Such a mature consciousness of

or

proficient

but

being

others might give them (the students)

community. However, at Villanova The philosophical Greco-Roman

most students exceed that minimum.

of

perfection

more direction as they consider

The 63 members of the class of 2014

understanding

and

what interests to pursue in college.”

completed 2,977 hours in their senior

excellence misses the mark as well,

It appears that Sr. Catherine is on

year alone, which is more than double

she says. Sister prefers to strive for

target with her last remark. A look

their annual requirement.

perfection in the biblical sense, being

at the personal essays shared by a

directed to holiness, belonging to God.

few of the seniors shows that their

Sr. Catherine Osimo, the senior

“I think that’s what St. Augustine

community service did give them a

class religion teacher, reviews the

meant in speaking of our hearts as

“mature consciousness of others” and

service hours and essays of reflection

restless until they find their home in

did provide some direction for their

written by all seniors about their

God,” she says.

college activities.

service experience. “The reflections

MARK VILLAFANA Mark

traveled

to

struggling third world countries.”

Shanghai, China, as part of Mark says that without exposure to those less

a youth leadership program

fortunate during his time spent in Christian service

before his senior year.

at Villanova, he would probably not have had the “I saw how in just 20

appreciation for what Shanghai has become.

years a small port city was

transformed

one of the world’s largest and

most

His long-term career goal is to lead a fight against

into

poverty through economics.

economically

powerful centers of world

“I want to apply Carnegie’s ‘Gospel of Wealth’

commerce and business, turning a small collection of

principle of giving back on a much larger scale, where

houses into a vast skyline of skyscrapers. This model of

the goal of a global company is to make money flow back

a city showcased for me the potential power of economics

into the economy,” he said. Mark will attend Northern

and got me thinking back to the work needed in those

Arizona University in the fall.

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ABBY WOLFE At first Villanova’s Christian service requirement, “seemed like another school assignment, but in reality it would open my eyes to the world and make me realize my desire to help others,” says Abby Wolfe, who will attend Texas Christian University in the fall.

“My freshman year, I saw the service requirement as a burden and I was not aware of the people around me, or the struggles they go through every day. That winter I volunteered at my church’s homeless shelter one night a week. Most people I met were lacking something that I took for granted daily: a place to sleep at night, food on the table, but most importantly a family who supported me.”

Abby’s interest in lifelong service blossomed last summer when she served as a camp counselor in the impoverished Romanian mountain village of Lupeni. Lupeni was once a mining town. Today the mine has closed and children wear tattered clothing and play in dirty streets with dilapidated buildings. “The children were so loving and full of life. I taught them to trust themselves and their peers through group exercises and activities. In turn, they taught me that language differences do not stop anyone from making a lasting connection and that humanity can find happiness in any situation,” she says.

“What began as a burden has become an integral part of my life and who I have become. Community service is no longer solely a school requirement, it is something that has taught me how to appreciate what I have and what I can give. I know that I will take what I have learned into my college community and continue service throughout my life.”

LUKE PRESTRIDGE Each year Villanova’s director of campus ministry Josh Kruse, organizes many of the service trips that the students take. Near the end of the year, he then pores over dozens of student’s community service records in order to nominate one for the Los Angeles Archdiocese Award for Christian Service. “Hearing and seeing the dedication of the Villanova students to service always inspires me to want to serve more,” he says.

This year’s Los Angeles Archdiocese Award for Christian Service went to Luke Prestridge. As a Boy Scout, Luke focused on making the Ojai Special Olympics a better experience for the developmentally disabled. Luke’s cousin has Downs syndrome, and

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Luke learned that Special Olympians needed activities to be engaged in between competitions. So Luke built a series of carnival-style games that the athletes could have fun with for his Eagle project. Luke’s grade school friendship with a boy with Type 1 diabetes also prompted him to serve. Over the past few years Luke raised $46,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation through a series of letter-writing campaigns.

Luke also traveled with Rustic Pathways in Thailand for one month, teaching English and doing home improvement in remote villages. On another Rustic Pathways trip to Costa Rica, he planned and implemented a summer camp. “Texas Christian University offers many service programs that I would like to take part in,” Luke says. “I will have plenty of opportunities to serve the community in my four years at TCU.” Both Kruse and Sr. Catherine see the Villanova experience service component as a pathway to excellence even a broader sense of the word than has been discussed here.

“Villanova students’ dedication to excellence in service is at the heart of who we are at Villanova and living out our core values of unitas, veritas, caritas,” says Kruse.

Sr. Catherine agrees, “In a biblical, New Testament context, ‘Be ye perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect’ (Matthew 5:48) is what Villanovans strive for in terms of excellence.”

Service is Not Just for Students Registered nurse and Villanova parent to Jacob (2015) and Ben (2017), Debra Launius is no stranger to community service. For the past few years she has taken part in medical mission trips to provide healthcare to residents of third-world countries.

In April, Debra travelled with to the Dominican Republic with Island Impact Ministries. She spent a week in Puerto Plata, as part of a medical/surgical team that provided free care to hundreds of sick people.

“I became involved both for personal accomplishment and knowing the overwhelming need for medical care in the Dominican and Haitian communities,” she said.

g

Debra explained that Island Impact Ministries also runs an medical clinics in the countries ensuring that care is continued in the community after the volunteer teams leave. http://www.islandimpact.net/

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Admission timeline for the class of 2019 Catholic College Prep: Unity, Truth, Love A Program that Yields Results

Admission Timeline

• Students and parents receive individualized, college planning

Sep. 23 Information Night

• All college applications, essays and recommendations are reviewed prior to submission

Oct 19

• Class size average is 15 students

Nov. 15 Placement Exam (HSPT)

• Over 60 colleges and universities visit Villanova each year

Dec. 13 Placement Exam (SSAT)

• 75% of faculty hold advanced degrees

Jan. 11

Open House

Jan. 24

Placement Exam (HSPT)

Open House

Academic Success from the Class of 2014

Jan. 31 Admission Application Due

• 85% are attending four-year universities

Feb. 2-27 Family Interviews

• 80% earned college credit through Advanced Placement courses

Feb. 10 Financial Aid Application Due

• About $3 million offered in scholarships

Mar. 6

Notification of Decision

Apply Online www.villanovaprep.org/admission Director of Admission: Mr. Tyler Hart: (805) 646-1464 | Asst. Director of Admission: Miss Debby Smith (805) 646-1464 | admissions@villanovaprep.org

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Golf Tournament Benefits Athletics and Scholarships

while Tim Dayton, John Simpson, JR Simpson, and Rick Rodarte came in second but also won a free round of golf provided by our amazing host,

The 2014 Villanova Prep Golf Tournament at Soule Park was well attended

Soule Park. Coming with the virtual

and more than $22,000 was raised to continue upgrades to the athletic/training

bronze medal (third place) was Mike,

program. An additional $2,000 was put towards the Fr. Glynn Scholarship

Marty, Tony and Michael Marrietta.

Endowment, thanks to a loyal group of alumni from the classes of 1960 and

In fourth place was Jim Roberts, Otis

1963.

Bradley, Tim Laubacher, and Mike York.

All teams battled in fine fashion, and significant laughter and merriment were had by all. There was a three-way tie for low gross score, and the team

We raised money to help the

that won had an eagle on hole 18, edging out the other competitors. The hard

Villanova Athletics Department and

charging team of Frank McCarthy, Tim Jue, Darryl Priest, and Curtis Gunter

enjoyed a gorgeous day on the links.

won best low gross score with a 58 (13 under par).

The volunteers and golf committee members put all their oars in the

The Callaway scoring system dictated who went home with the trophies

water and pulled off a great event. Of

as this year’s Villanova Wildcat Golf Classic Champions. Holes 13, 16, and 17

course all of the attendees raised the

were randomly chosen, and the team’s net scores were calculated by Robin

spirits (and the dough,) and we cannot

Williams and the Soule Park staff. In the end, there was a tie, and the card-

say thank you enough to the sponsors

off system was used to determine the winner. First place went to a team that

and everyone who helped make the

grinded, laughed, and stayed well hydrated all the way to the end. Jim Lenz,

event a clear success. Thanks again

Peter Bowen, Jim Gaarow, Ken Morgan carted away the trophies for first place,

and we look forward to next year!

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Thank you alumni, friends, and parents for supporting the golf tournament to benefit Villanova Prep athletics! and the fr. glynn scholarship endowment Major supporters Province of St. Augustine Bon Apetit Management Company Bill Dougherty '60 Mike Poitevin '63 DCH Toyota of Oxnard Steve Thomas Mini Cooper Event Sponsors Brian Burke '88 William Burke, alumni parent California Door and Hardware Al Lowe Construction McGillivray Construction Studio 84 West Tact Construction Lance Sherman '60

Tee sign sponsors The Law Office of Alex Gutierrez Mike and Heidi Bradbury Bright Star Care Services Ojai Beverage Co. Casa Barranca C.D. Lyon Construction Sam Hill Engineering Husted Appliance Center Frank McCarthy Construction Montgomery’s Barber Shop McCarthy Companies Scott and Sharon Morgan Newbury Park Physical Therapy Ojai Community Bank Ron Polito Sakura Ojai Sealy, Inc. Ventura Signs and Screenprinting

Contributors Barrelhouse 101 Central Coast Distributing BG Petrospecs Sarah Cavanaugh Federico '00 Cuts and More The Deer Lodge Discovery Ventura Bowling Dominick’s Italian Restaurant Mike Donohue Golfsmith Elkins Ranch Golf Course Meiners Oaks Hardware Mission Tuxedo Jim Lenz Paradise Artists Ojai Bicycles Ojai Ice Cream Ojai Valley Athletic Club Jim and Tina Little Margaret Larrabee Dr. Joe Parent Sakura Ojai Sports Clips Snapper Jack’s Spencer Mackenzie’s Fish Co. Taqueria Tepatitlan Yolanda’s Tyson York Terry Madden

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Office of Legislative Affairs, representing the President to the U.S. Senate on matters of transportation, commerce, energy, defense and the environment.

“To the Class of 2014, enjoy the moment and celebrate the gift you take home today.

I’m not talking about your graduation present. Today marks a day that celebrates something you now have that can never be taken or given away, lost, stolen, misplaced, or recycled. No matter where you go or how long you live, you now and forever have something that will always be with you – your education from Villanova Preparatory School.

This is a place that lays the foundation for all kinds of relationships, most of which last throughout your life.

From this 125-acre campus, the relationships you have built here will keep you connected to people around the globe.

You will naturally focus on the relationships you

Alumnus Speaks at Graduation

have built through the diverse people, cultures, and backgrounds in the Villanova community.

And you will undoubtedly do a lot of networking – testing who knows who and how other people can help you

The keynote address was delivered by the Honorable

along the way. But core to the foundation upon which this

Sean O’Hollaren, a 1979 Villanova graduate who is senior

school was built, no one relationship is more important

vice president, government and public affairs at Nike,

than the one you have with God.

providing strategic leadership on global business and political issues and leading the company’s policy advocacy with governments.

He is present in our lives, whether you want Him or not. How we let Him in is our call, so why not so why not network with Him and make the relationship a good one?

O’Hollaren served a number of positions in the federal government, including in the White House as deputy

Faith has a role to play in business, law, medicine, and

assistant to the president for legislative affairs. In this

every other profession, in that it builds our integrity as

position he was the Principal liaison between the White

individuals. Have confidence that your personal integrity

House and the United States Senate. O’Hollaren also served

and the moral guidance of your faith will give you the

as special assistant to the President in the White House

strength to rise to the occasion.

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For me, Villanova was the critical bridge along the way

God challenges each and every one of you to do

that allowed me to leap forward and go where I otherwise

something great. Villanova has prepared you all to do

couldn’t have imagined.

exactly that – to find your own greatness.

You will get lots of opportunity to make consequential

Regardless of where you came from and what condition

decisions, Villanova was one for me. I know my path would

you were in when you got here, you all leave Villanova

have been very different, and the choices I have made along

well educated and with your moral compass reset.

the way would not have been guided by integrity and faith in Jesus Christ, both lacking when I arrived here.

Your education and experience will serve you well on the path ahead, but you will also need to rely on your

For many, Villanova accelerates the path you were

judgment and instinct.

already on. For others, like me, it can be a course correction that plants the seeds of our faith and integrity, knowing that they will grow in the years ahead.

You are now ambassadors of Villanova, and your actions and way of thinking reflect what you have learned here.

Graduating from Villanova today is something you do just once.

This is the only place you can get the education you now have, use it to your advantage.

Your education here is an experience that will always be with you. It has permanently changed each and every one of you and what you have gained will continue to bear

So to the Villanova Class of 2014, congratulations.

Today is a day to celebrate your gift!”

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fruit throughout your life.

God challenges each and every one of you to do something great.

Villanova has prepared you all to do exactly that – to find your own greatness.

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in memoriam

Denham “Denny” Lord '67 passed

James William Barbeau '49 passed

Elaine Tognazzini Franssen '82

away at home on December 23, 2013,

away November 24, 2013, after a

succumbed to cancer on December 8,

at the age of 64. Born February 4,

short illness. He was 82 years old.

2013. She was 49. At Villanova she

1949 in Santa Barbara, CA, Denny

Jim came to Villanova from St Louis,

was co-editor of the yearbook and

grew up in Ojai, CA. He attended

MO and lived in the dormitory for

a class photographer. Elaine was a

Villanova Preparatory before

four years. He was very much an

painter and an architect. She served

attending Cal Poly San Louis Obispo.

athlete and lettered in four sports

on the Villanova Board of Directors

He married Laura in 1970, and they

– baseball, basketball, football and

in the mid-2000s.

resided on their ranch in Carpinteria,

track. Jim attended UCLA after

CA.

Villanova and worked as a contract administrator for defense contractors in Southern California, including Boeing and Lockheed. According to his wife of nearly 25 years, Rosemarie, “Villanova was his family; he talked about it always.”

Richard Keith Kohler, Jr. '52 Dexter Fabian Smith '69 passed

passed away on March 29, 2001.

away on December 1, 2013. He

Richard was from Upland, CA.

grew up in Ojai, graduated from Villanova, and attended U.C.S.B. and Colorado Western State University in Gunnison CO, with a major in mathematics. Dexter loved “thrill seeking” activities such as hang

Michael Maher, '63 passed away

gliding, surfing, mountain climbing,

on October 15, 2009. He was born

skydiving, motocross, and extreme

on April 18, 1945. He was a retired

skiing. He was always tinkering and

battalion chief with the city of

modifying his equipment with the

Ventura Fire Department. He is

Blaise Filosa '73 passed away

intent of creating something more

survived by his wife of 40 years,

in May, 2014. He was living in

efficient.

Sally, and son, John.

Monrovia, CA.

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Invest in our success

James J. Tarpey '47 passed away on December 27, 2006, leaving a charitable remainder trust to Villanova Preparatory

Make a planned gift and join the St. Augustine Legacy Society

School. At the time of his death he was living in Jackson, Wyoming. He was born on December 27, 1928 in Texas City, Texas. Jim was a boarding student who graduated from Villanova Preparatory School and went on to the University of Texas in Austin. He played football, basketball, track, and tennis and was student body president twice.

Planned gifts are an opportunity

He was president of Tarpey and Company Insurance Agency in Houston,

to sustain our tradition of Catholic

Texas, until his retirement in 1982.

education now and into the future through estate planning. Through your will, a trust vehicle that

William Copley '47 lives in Cupertino,

provides you with income for life,

California, with his wife, Carol. Bill attended

or by naming Villanova as the

Villanova as a boarding student on a

beneficiary of your IRA, you can help

scholarship coming from a Catholic school

Villanova continue to successfully

in South Gate, California. He worked his

provide a superior college-prep

way through Villanova cleaning classrooms

education in the Augustinian

at night and serving meals to the priests in

tradition.

the dining hall. He joined the Navy after graduation from Villanova and flew with the

The St. Augustine Society is a

Blue Angels for several years. After leaving

growing group of alumni, parents,

the service he worked at United Airlines for

and friends who have included

his entire career. Bill is thankful for Fathers Gallagher, Flynn and Sparrow.

Villanova in their estate plans. If

“Great men who gave us something to aspire to as individuals.” Bill has

you have already named us as a

executed a planned gift that benefits Villanova.

beneficiary of a planned gift, please let us know, so we may enroll you as a St. Augustine Society member.

Kevin G. Lynch '51 lives in Canyon Country, California with his wife Jane.

For more information, contact the

Kevin came to Villanova as a freshman and

director of development Jeanne Hill

was eventually captain of the basketball

at jhill@villanovaprepadmin.org

team and managing editor of the yearbook.

He attended Loyola University, and

Alumni Members of the St.

Southwestern Law School, working as a trial

Augustine Society

lawyer for many years. To him the Villanova

James J. Tarpey '47

mission is something he is quite happy to

William Copley '47

support and the Augustinian values of truth,

Kevin Lynch '51

unity, and love are, “words to live by.” Kevin placed a provision in his will to leave a gift to his alma mater.

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Family of Giving Mid Year Report July 1 to December 31, 2013 Elena Abrena

Robert '88 and Anne Marie Crotty

Preston Hodges Hill

Edward and Myra Amorosi

Ernest '62 and Olivia Cruz

Charles '58 and Mary Hinkle

David and Marilyn Appleby

James '57 and Ronnelle Czuleger

Carol and Richard Hoffer

Kristin Arce

Peter '48 and Jackie Dailey

Christopher '67 and Jennifer Horsman

Robert and Suzanne Arce

Milton '56 and Heather Daily

Gary Horsman '70 and Jodi Williamson-

William '53 and Gretchen Arnemann

Thomas L. Davis

Ferdinand and Cristina Aromin

Brian and Stella Day

Guojun Hu and Aibo Xie

Sylvia '85 and Rafael Arriaga

Harry and Marlene Dempster

Qiang (Peter) Hu and Yan Fang Liu

The Augustinian Guild

Robert '78 and Jean Deyling

Kumiko Irion

Juan and Pillar Ayala

Michelle '83 and Anthony '83 DiBernardo

William '64 and Linda James

Armine and Dale Bartle

Manuel J Diez '49

Jon R Jensen '51

David '74 and Susan Bender

Karin '90 and Rod Dingman

Jie Ji and Xiaoping Fang

Tod and Patty Berryman

Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation

Jung Hee (Clara) Jung

Karin Best '76 and Ronald Rogowski

Peter Dougherty '71

Michael '79 and Laurie Kazmer

Rene '47 and Barbara Biane

Matthew and Cathy Ducharme

Fr. John Keller, O.S.A.

Daniel Boggs and Rose Chavez Boggs

David Dufau '83

Peter '53 and Anne Kimball

Michael B. Boggs

James B. Duffy '54

Sr. Timothea Kingston, C.S.C.

Kimberly N. Booth ‘89

Stephen and Lisa Duncan

Patricia Kinsey

Arturo Bours '74

Gordon Durenberger

Peter '57 and Sue Kiseskey

Michael and Heidi Bradbury

David and Carolyn Ebers

Kevin and Michelle Kolbeck

Kevin Braza

Aimee Eccles

Ed and Conny Kurtenbach

Daniel and Vicki Breen

Ralph W. Eppley '49

Beth Lagrandeur-Dorenkamp

Dave Brubaker

Donald and Phyllis Epstein

David '71 and Amy Lamb

Br. Mike Bube, OSA

Virgil Evans

Robert and Debra Launius

Bryan and Jodi Burdette

Michael and Janice Ferron

Roberto and Gemima Lauretta

Elise Burgett

Cynthia Frings

Victor LeBreton

William '60 and Barbara Burkart

Brian Galetto

Michael and Marilyn Lenehan

Brian P. Burke '88

Austin '40 and Paula Gavin

Priscilla Lerma

Erin Burke '87 and John Benson

Ambassador John G. '48 and Constance

Paul Lipman '70

William and Georganne Burke

Gavin

Horsman

James and Tina Marie Little

Susan Campbell

Mark and Dawn Golden

Patricia Livingston

Claire Carty

Maria Ramos Gomes

Eric and Wendy Lockwood

James '62 and Daryl Cassidy

Lindal and Karen Graf

Dorothy Loebl

Kunzhi Chen and Lihui Gao

Ronald Hamernik and Christina Tovar-

Jay and Lisa Lopez

Liang Chen and Hui Zhao

Hamernik

William '53 and Donna Lowes

Joseph Clark and Linda Epstein-Clark

Walter Han

Drs. Daniel and Nancy Lu

Donald and Sheila Cluff

Tyler and Nicki Hart

Kevin '51 and Jane Lynch

The Community Giving Fund

Julie Hedrick

David Mam and Sopheap Lim

William '47 and Carol Copley

Gerald '82 and Carrie Hendrick

Lowell and Virginia Martinson

Ted and Jane Cotti

Jeanne and Cregg Hill

Thomas '62 and Luciann Maulhardt

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Bill and Olivia Mauzey

Johannes and Eileen Ramirez

Richard and Kristin Taylor

Kevin and Kim McAtee

Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation

Herbert and Sally Thomson

Colleen J. McCall

Amy Richardson

John and Betty Tovar

Walter and Mary Jane McCall

Brett and Kyla '00 Rightmer

United Way California Capital Region

Brian McColgan and Elizabeth Stix

Daniel Rios

Sheri '83 and James Usher

Patrick '54 and Mary Lee McDermott

David and Jacquline Rohweller

Ventura County Community Foundation

Gregory McDonald '63

Ms. Kathryn Rowland

Andy and Nancy Ventura

Michael Megowan '61

Arthur '42 and Lynn Samuel

Mel '54 and Pauline Ventura

John '47 and Caryolyn Menne

Very Rev. Gary Sanders, O.S.A.

Fr. Thomas Verber, O.S.A.

Frances Merkley

Ricardo Santos and Catherine McMillan-Santos

Donald and Elizabeth Villafana

Carol and James Millage

Gary and Roberta Schlegel

Tom and Esther Wachtell

Joseph N. Mirkovich '57

Thomas and Karen Schott

James '54 and Nancy Walker

Hardy and Olga Moll

William J. Shanbrom

Nicholas '59 and Sara Walz

Sonja Montiel

Laurence and Linda Shields

Renfeng Wang and Xiaping Yang

Edward Morales and Kathleen McDougal

Chang Shik Shim and Seungah Hong

Nicholas '54 and Patricia Weber

Scott and Sharon Morgan

Deborah Smith

Tim and Terri Wolfe

Eliza P. Nagle '93

Kathryn and Bob Soares

Hongliang Wu and Liping Lin

Scott and Melinda Nordeng

Michael Stumpf

Guochun Xie and Ying Yu

Bob and Patricia Norris

Todd and Ana Sullivan

Vince Yanez and Stacy Stowe-Yanez

Sean '79 and Hilary O’Hollaren

Tracey Williams and Cecil Sutton

Kai Yang and Ying Fan

Ricardo Olivares

Dorothy Sweatt

Sr. Rachel Yourgules, I.H.M.

Sr. Catherine Osimo, C.S.C.

Wai (Marco) Sze and Xi Cheng

Guiping Yue and Qiong Li

Jose Otero '61

Tangram Insurance Services

Hai Hui Zhang and Qun (Queenie) He

Thomas '61 and Mary Padberg

Target

Nora and Radie Paligutan Alex and Ann Marie Palines Alex and Deborah Palmer Jin Ik Park and Kyungjin Lee Rev. Alvin Paligutan, OSA Thomas Parks '43 Yijun Peng and Tao Zhang Susan Penington Jack and Laura Plasmyer Gene M. Poland Michael and Susan Poland David '54 and Marilyn Poole Emilio Pozzi '84 Andrew and Pier Prestridge Province of St. Augustine Charles H. Quinn '51

CORRECTIONS to the Fall/Winter issue • We apologize for the unlawful use of an image which portrayed Ojai’s arcade and Topa Topa with a banner celebrating Villanova’s 90th anniversary. The image is the property of Besant Hill School, the banner was Photoshopped into the image. Villanova ended all use and distribution of the image, and regrets any harm caused to Besant Hill School.

• On page 39, in the article “A Tribute to Judge Clark”, Pete Dailey and Jack Gavin were listed as class of 1949. They graduated in 1948.

• According to Lawnie Bailey ’64, the football mascot for the class of 1964 was incorrectly named on the back cover. The mascot in the photograph was Pat Davis, not Mary Lou Bert.

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non-profit org. u.s. postage paid santa barbara, ca permit #578

VILLANOVA PREPARATORY SCHOOL 12096 North Ventura Avenue Ojai, CA 93023

All 1994 Wildcats are invited to the 10-year reunion. See page 32 for ticket information.

1994 California Scholarship Federation members: Back row (left to right): Britt Boughey, Jordan Lewis.

Front row (left to right): Deborah Steinberger-Holmes, Colleen O’Neil, Tommy Lee, John-Philip Mogg and David Schuepbach.

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